Improving Low-end Bass

[Swolzee]

My current setup is a 25'x13'x7.6' HT room using 2x VBSS tuned at 20Hz behind the screen wall (far end of a short wall). I want to improve my low-end deep bass response and would like to do it using a DIY method since I enjoy building, have the means to do so, and it will help fit this within my budget. The VBSS are amazing speakers for that kickdrum style mid range bass, but lack that really deep low range response.

I was advised that some UM-18's would suit my needs. The speakers themselves would fit within my budget, but I'm not sure if the amps I currently own would be what I need to drive them. I have a NX1000 and an NX3000D. I did think it would be possible to get a miniDSP for the 1000 to drive the VBSS's but would the 3000 be enough for the UM-18's?

Any advise or suggestions of alternatives I'm open to I'm not stuck on any idea. Right now I'm just trying to figure out these things out: what DIY speaker and box combo, will my current amps work for my proposal or your suggestion, how would I integrate it with the VBSS, sight unseen/unmeasured what type of arrangement would I likely be using to optimize the setup?

I just received a UMIK-1 so I'll be taking some measurements and of course can do so once I get settled on a build.

 

[shadyJ]

You will need a plan for a deep tuned enclosure for the UM18. That is going to be a pretty large box. As I recall, the NX amps don't deliver quite as much power as they advertise. I think a NX3000 should still deliver a fair amount to a pair of UM18s, but they could handle more. If you wanted to integrate it perfectly with the VBSS subs, that will be tough. I would just throw them in there and try to EQ the response to something that is roughly flat. It might not be easy with the phase shifts that occur with ported subs with differing tuning points. It will probably take a lot of trial and error, in placement and phase adjustments.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Tuned to 20hz is helpful. But measurements will absolutely point you in the right direction. For some reason I think the UM’s want a smallish sealed enclosure. If you’re looking for great impact Or this... The Hideaway Theater

The Hideaway Theater

r.tapatalk.com

It will destroy any budget minded
Also, have you considered another pair of vbss? You have a lot of options. How much are you looking to spend? A pair of sonosub LLT’s could be a nice option too. Again, rew is absolutely necessary to move forward in picking a direction since you’ll need to know where you are right now.

 

[NINaudio]

If you've got a mini-dsp you can get the UM-18's tuned flat to somewhere between 16-20 Hz in a 4 cu. ft sealed enclosure. If you're ok with a larger ported enclosure, their are some good options at gsgad:

https://shop.gsgad.com/

 

[highfigh]

Room dimensions matter. Post yours and it will be possible to determine a course of action. You can't put a random speaker in a room and get great sound- the two need to be a good match.

 

[Swolzee]

Room dimensions matter. Post yours and it will be possible to determine a course of action. You can't put a random speaker in a room and get great sound- the two need to be a good match.

I included it in the OP, 25'x13'x7.6'

This is all set really good info. I will certainly be figuring out REW this week so I can provide some measurements now that I have the mic.

 

[highfigh]

I included it in the OP, 25'x13'x7.6'

This is all set really good info. I will certainly be figuring out REW this week so I can provide some measurements now that I have the mic.

So you did......I blew right past the first sentence. I went to school! I really did!

 

[Swolzee]

So you did......I blew right past the first sentence. I went to school! I really did!

No worries. I wasn't being cheeky, I just wanted to make sure you knew I was observing protocol of delivering information. At least the small bit that I have.

 

[Swolzee]

I finally got around to setting up REW. Having never used it before I was trying to follow along with video tutorials and I'm sure my setup was correct based on their specifications but I was unclear what all speakers were effected by the sweep. Since I have no idea what I'm looking at here I hope to be educated.

REW files

 

[Swolzee]

Something I didn't really see explained was when taking measurements are there parameters that should be changed in the AVR for "basic" measurements?

I'm sure once you isolate an area of concern you would want to narrow things down but is there a SOP to follow for initial measurements?